What Is It Known For?
IBS School of Cosmetology has been helping people break into the beauty industry since 2003. They teach everything from cosmetology to barbering and even massage therapy. The school has about 60 students at a time, which means more personal attention.
Their main focus is getting students ready for the Hawaii state exam and setting them up for good careers. It’s not clear if IBS is part of a larger network of state community colleges, however, they’ve been making their mark in beauty education for nearly two decades.
Degrees & Certifications
At IBS School of Cosmetology, you can get certified in various beauty-related fields, including:
- Cosmetology
- Hair Dressing & Barbering
- Esthetics
- Nail Technology, and more.
Class Schedules
IBS School of Cosmetology offers both full-time and part-time classes, with options in the morning and afternoon.
Since these classes are mainly hands-on, the school aims to match the standards of high-end salons, using good equipment and working with well-known beauty brands. This approach helps prepare students for real-world work.
In case you’re interested in evening or online classes, call the school directly for the most up-to-date information.
Is It Legit?
Yes, IBS School of Cosmetology and Massage is legitimate. It’s accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS).
NACCAS is an independent group that’s been evaluating the quality of beauty schools since 1969.
Acceptance Rate
IBS School of Cosmetology has an open admission policy. This means it has a 100% acceptance rate, provided applicants meet the minimum requirements.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)
Your tuition at IBS School of Cosmetology will depend on the program you choose. Here are the costs, including additional fees for each course:
- Hairdressing: $16,960.33
- Esthetics: $10,572.90
- Nail Technology: $6,803.26
- Barbering: $18,635.72
- Massage Therapy: $9,808.50
- Cosmetology: $25,243.05
- Instructor Training: $5,756.14
For a more accurate estimate of your total costs, you can use the school’s net price calculator on their website or contact the school directly.
Programs & Courses
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
- Hair Dressing and Barbering
- Nail Technology
- Esthetics
- Massage Therapy
Campus Locations
Kahului 110 East Kaahumanu Ave, Suite 201 Kahului, Hawaii 96732
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, IBS School of Cosmetology and Massage has a mixed reputation. While many customers praise the student services and affordable prices, recent reviews from students and clients alike point to serious issues with staff and management, leading to a decline in the overall experience.
Overall Score: 3.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Affordable Services: Customers consistently praise the school for offering high-quality massages, facials, and other beauty services at a fraction of the cost of a traditional salon. The low prices are seen as a win-win, allowing customers to get a good deal while helping students gain practice.
Skilled and Professional Students: Many clients report being very happy with the services they received from students, describing them as well-schooled, professional, and attentive.
High-Quality Massage Program: Reviews for the massage program are particularly strong, with customers calling the massages “awesome” and praising the therapists’ skills and professionalism.
Common Criticisms
Rude and Disrespectful Staff: The most prevalent negative theme is the unprofessional and “miserable” behavior of some staff members, particularly a director or front desk employee. Several reviewers, including former students and clients, complain about a lack of respect and a hostile environment.
Inconsistent Haircut Quality: There are multiple complaints about hair services, with clients reporting that their hair was cut significantly shorter than requested. This inconsistency suggests a lack of close supervision or proper training in some areas of the cosmetology program.
Poor School Management: Former students express a feeling that management is more interested in collecting money than in supporting students. They cite a lack of congratulatory gestures for graduates and a generally unsupportive educational environment.
Unprofessional Learning Environment: Students report that staff “bark at” students and that the facility is not always clean or well-maintained, with hair on the chairs and other issues.
Momentum
The reviews show a clear divide, with most of the positive comments on the quality of services dating back two to six years ago. The more critical reviews about staff rudeness and poor management are recent, from the past one to two years. This suggests a potential decline in the overall student and client experience, especially concerning the professionalism of the staff. External information shows the school is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and has a high graduation rate, but online forums mention that some students felt the education was not thorough.